Leitch decision not to run resets nomination process in Simcoe-Grey

New Tecumseth Free Press Online  January 26, 2018

When Simcoe-Grey Conservative MP Kellie Leitch announced her decision not to seek reelection in 2019, earlier this week, it triggered a change in the Party’s nomination process that was set to close yesterday (Jan. 25) at 5 pm.

To that point, Ms. Leitch had stated in published reports (including on this site) her intention to run again, meaning nomination rules set out in the Conservative Party’s procuedure to select their candidates, were following guidelines established for ridings held by incumbents seeking reelection. Essa mayor Terry Dowdall, and Collingwood doctor Gillian Yeates were greenlighted, through the approvals process, to contest the nomination against Ms. Leitch.

Without a Conservative incumbent in Simcoe-Grey, the nomination process winds back to the beginning. At this post it was not clear whether Mr. Dowdall and Ms. Yeates would have to reapply. “Opening Notice” provided two weeks ago has been rescinded and applications can once again “be submitted prior to the Opening Notice and will be reviewed upon receipt
by the Executive Director or their designate. To allow time for review and to provide time to address any deficiencies, Applications should be submitted as soon as possible.”

Those qualified to seek the Conservative Party’s nomination in Simcoe-Grey require 25 signatures (whereas Mr. Dowdall and Ms. Yeates required 50 while Ms. Leitch was still in the running) from Party members in good standing.

“Applicants who submit their Applications prior to the Opening Notice are not immediately required to declare which Electoral District they are running in or to submit their nomination petition of 25 signatures (as set out in Section 7),” according to the Party rules. “These eligibility requirements must only be met after the Opening Notice, at which time, Applicants must submit to the Executive Director: (i) a letter of intent to run in the riding, and (ii) a nomination petition signed by at least twenty-five (25) current Party members who are in good standing and reside in the Electoral District in which the Applicant wishes to run.

When an Application is received after the Opening Notice is given but before the Close of Nominations, the Applicant shall be interviewed by the CNC within seven (7) days after the receipt of the Application. The NCSC may require that a representative of the NCSC participate in the interview, in which case the CNC will assist the NCSC in making any necessary arrangements to enable such participation. If a majority of the CNC believes that there may be cause to disallow an Applicant, the Executive Director or their designate shall immediately inform the NCSC or its designated representative and the Applicant will automatically be referred to NCSC for review.”

Reports say Simcoe-Grey MP Kellie Leitch won’t seek re-election

By Shane MacDonald Alliston Herald January 23 2018

Conservative MP Kellie Leitch won’t be seeking re-election in 2019, according to media reports.

CBC News reports that the Simcoe-Grey MP issued a statement on Jan. 22 about her decision not to run.

“My time in politics has been a genuine privilege, and I will always be thankful to the constituents of Simcoe-Grey for their tremendous support,” the report reads. “I have concluded, however, that the time has come for me to serve in other ways, including as a surgeon and volunteer.”

Last year, Leitch failed in her bid to become the Conservative party leader. Instead Andrew Scheer won the leadership race.

Terry Dowdall, deputy warden for the County of Simcoe and Essa Township mayor, and Dr. Gillian Yeates, an OBGYN from Collingwood, have signalled their interest to run for the Simcoe-Grey MP position in 2019.